Advertisement
Basketball scorelines

Basketball scorelines
There were an incredible 84 tries scored across the eight games which averages out at 10.5 per match as some wonderful attacking flair was showcased. In contrast, 57 tries were scored across this round last season - an average of 7.1 per match.
Saracens' loss to Toulon by 72-42 reflected almost the sort of scoreline you would associate with the NBA rather than Champions Cup knockout rugby.
Weak defences were exposed with performances from Leinster and Toulon proving ruthless enough to produce truly eye-watering scorelines.
Lousy weekend for English teams
Just Northampton Saints remain in the Champions Cup from the Premiership as Saracens, Harlequins, Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks were all outclassed.
The weak defences of Sarries and Quins in particular - conceding 20 tries - is a huge concern for not just the league but England head coach Steve Borthwick as well.
Northampton have a winnable tie next weekend at home to Castres which should see them into another semi-final but aside from Sale's valiant effort in Toulouse, there was very little to cheer about from a Premiership perspective.
Munster fans continue romantic relationship with Champions Cup
It was reported 3,000 travelling Munster fans made their way to a sold out Stade Marcel-Deflandre which created a brilliant atmosphere in the south of France.
Munster have always possessed fervent support with their fans prepared to travel the lengths of the globe to watch their team - illustrated by their backing in the 2023 URC final in South Africa at just a week's notice.
They were treated to an excellent contest and the Red Army would have partied long into the night after seeing their team pip La Rochelle 25-24 for a famous win.
Glasgow Warriors are dark horses
The Scottish side flexed their muscles and overpowered Leicester Tigers on Saturday night to set up a crunch meeting with Leinster in next week's quarter-finals.
Given they hoisted the URC title last season at Leinster's expense, Franco Smith's side will be gunning for their trip to Dublin.
Terrific Toulouse too strong for English opposition
The now defunct Wasps were the last English side to beat Toulouse in the competition back in 2022.
Sale Sharks gave the reigning champions a minor scare when they trailed by five points at half time but eventually the Mancunians succumbed to Toulouse's power and glorious French flair.
Toulouse's Galacticos visit Toulon next in what should be quite the occasion on Sunday.